March Fun!!

March 2014: Let's Explore the Midlands!!!

The month of March was so, so, so much fun!! I think I am really getting the hang of this mommy-of-two thing (famous last words?).... and I am just not one to sit quietly at home. So most days we (either me and Gigi or me and Auntie) load up the swagger-wagon (IE the minivan) with all three kiddos, two strollers, two diaper bags and a plan, and we hit the road! So far this month we have explored the zoo, Edventure, Saluda shoals, Virginia Hilton, the mall and ANY indoor playground we can find. I am absolutely loving being home with my girls 24-7, I am going to be sad when my maternity leave ends. Thankfully, I only go back to work for 5 weeks, then I am taking an extended break to raise my girls. No idea how long that will end up being... right now I am thinking 6-12 months, but we will see.

Being a stay at home mom is the hardest jobs I have ever had, and I thought residency would be the hardest I ever worked (30 hour calls in the PICU, call every 4th night, 14 hour night shifts, etc). But this is a whole new level of challenging. First, there is no post-call day. If I am up all night with a sick kid, I don't get to leave at noon and go sleep it off. Secondly, I care infinitely more about the outcome. I thought I cared a lot for my patients, but with your own kids you panic about things you KNOW are no big deal (IE random fevers, splinters, boo-boos, boogers, etc). You only get one shot with your kids, and you don't want to mess them up. Third, when the kids are crying I can't say "I'll be right back," I have to stay there and be the one to calm the howling.

Some days (the crazy one's where nothing goes right and everyone is crying), I long to be back in the office and just be a doctor. But most days, I LOVE LOVE LOVE being these little girls mama and being with them everyday. While I was in residency, I thought about doing a NICU or PICU fellowship, and I had to ask myself some hard questions. At the end of my life, am I going to say "I wish I had done that fellowship" or "I wish I had more time with my kids?" When stated that way, it became a no brainer, so I took a part-time (3 days a week) job in primary care. Now, I am asking myself these questions again. Work? or More time with my kids while they are little? They keep growing and changing so fast, and I don't want to miss a moment of it (even the tantrums). So for right now, I think I know where I want to be.

Man, when did this post get so serious? Back to some pictures of our adventures!!

At the zoo with Daddy. Not sure who loves the super load monkeys more...Blakely or Daddy?

This was Katy Ellis first trip to the zoo.... look quick because she slept the rest of the trip.

Yes, I blinded my baby (briefly) for a picture. Sorry Katy Ellis.

Exploring the botanical gardens.

Looking at the tigers.

Play that guitar Blakely!



One of our favorite quick outings is Mt. Horeb's playground. We can walk over from Banks house and the kids love a change of scenery.

Blakely the daredevil. If there is a good chance that Blakely is going to fall and bust her chin on it, that is the first thing she attempts at any playground. Maybe she'll be braver than her Mommy (I'm a bit of scaredy cat. I won't even jump off the high dive.)

Banks the safety man. Banks slides down the slide on his tummy every time; he will not slide down on his bottom.

Typical. Tongue hanging out as she climbs. I am afraid she is going to bite that thing off. I think this is one of those life lessons you have to learn the hard way.

This is what Blakely does when I ask her to smile for the camera. Sadly, this is a dramatic improvement.

Love being Blakely and Katy Ellis' mama. There is NEVER a dull moment.